Property buying costs in Germany

1. Additional buying costs

Transfer tax is statutory and state-dependent. Notary and Grundbuch fees follow statutory fee values but depend on the transaction. Agent commission depends on the listing and allocation rules. Inspections, valuations and financing can add further costs.

• Grunderwerbsteuer
• Notary and land register
• Makler commission where applicable
• Mortgage valuation, land-charge and financing costs
• Independent legal or technical checks

2. Grunderwerbsteuer in all 16 states

The applicable rate is the rate for the state where the property lies. Every row below was checked against the responsible state tax administration; effective dates show when the present rate began.

3. Notary and land-register costs

A planning estimate around 1.5%–2% is often used for a straightforward transaction, but it is not a statutory flat rate. Actual fees follow the statutory fee schedule and depend on purchase price, land charge and other deeds. The calculator separates adjustable notary and Grundbuch assumptions.

4. Makler commission

There is no universal Germany-wide buyer percentage. Commission varies by listing and region, and statutory allocation rules differ by property and transaction. Check the listing and brokerage agreement, and enter the buyer-side percentage actually offered.

5. Illustrative €400,000 purchase

In a state charging 6%, transfer tax is €24,000. If you assume 1.5% combined notary/land-register costs and no agent, the illustrative acquisition total is €430,000 before financing and inspection costs. Change the assumptions in the calculator.